The Hawks split their first two games, dropping a 4-3 decision to Bunker Hill in the season opener then rolling past Brussels 13-3. The next few games on their schedule included matchups with West Central, Brown County and Griggsville before a March 30 home game against Carlinville.

Pohlman said the key contests for his team will be the Western Illinois Valley Conference showdowns - all of them.

“All WIVC games at key games for us,” said Pohlman, who also indicated that he sees the conference race as being wide open.

Also on the slate are games against nonconference teams the likes of Jersey and Springfield Lutheran. Also, the Hawks and Brussels will square off in a 7 p.m. game on May 4 at Grizzlies Stadium in Sauget.

Key newcomers for the Hawks this season will include junior pitcher/outfielder Nate Shanks, as well as freshmen Blake Struble, Alex Bowker, Hayden Stringer, Kolten Bottom, Kyle Waters and Tyler Barnett.

“We look to improve with every game and be competitive at the end of the year to be ready for the postseason,” Pohlman said.